Bilateral giant and unilateral duplicated sphenoidal tubercle

The sphenoidal tubercle (SphT), also known as pyramidal tubercle or infratemporal spine projects from the anterior end of the infratemporal crest of the greater sphenoidal wing. As it masquerades the lateral entrance in the pterygopalatine fossa it could obstruct surgical corridors or the access for anaesthetic punctures. The SphT is, however, an overlooked structure in the anatomical literature. During a routine cone beam computed tomography study in an adult male patient we found bilateral giant SphTs transforming the infratemporal surfaces of the greater wing into veritable pterygoid foveae. Moreover, on one side the SphT appeared bifid, with a main giant partition, of 9.17 mm vertical length, and a secondary laminar one. The opposite SphT had 14.80 mm. In our knowledge, such giant and bifid SphTs were not reported previously and are major obstacles if surgical access towards the pterygopalatine fossa and the skull base is intended

A highly reactive precursor in the iron sulfide system

Iron sulfur (Fe–S) phases have been implicated in the emergence of life on early Earth due to their catalytic role in the synthesis of prebiotic molecules. Similarly, Fe–S phases are currently of high interest in the development of green catalysts and energy storage. Here we report the synthesis and structure of a nanoparticulate phase (FeSnano) that is a necessary solid-phase precursor to the conventionally assumed initial precipitate in the iron sulfide system, mackinawite. The structure of FeSnano contains tetrahedral iron, which is compensated by monosulfide and polysulfide sulfur species. These together dramatically affect the stability and enhance the reactivity of FeSnano

Influence of the cutting regime on the residual stresses generated by carbon steel milling

283-288All technological operations based on the material deformation generate residual stress. Milling is a complex process that involves effects like heat generation, plastic strains and residual stress. Some of the most important parameters used in the milling operation that influence the type of residual stress are: cutting speed, cutting feed and depth of cut. Residual stress distribution can affect the mechanical characteristics of the workpiece. The present paper is an experimental and theoretical study regarding the influence of the working parameters on residual stress distribution generated by milling. The experiments are carried out on carbon steel K945. The cutting regime is varied as: v = 16 to 1036 m/min; f = 375 to 1400 mm/min; depth of cut ap = 0.15 to 0.5mm. A small cutting depth (equal to 0.15 mm) generated the lowest values of residual stress. The use of high cutting feed (equal to 1400 mm/min) lead to large variations of residual stress. Simulations by finite element method using AdvantEdge software have been conducted and compared with the experimental results. There is a good agreement between results of FE analysis and the experimental study

Cross-Border Service Payments under EU Fair Competition and SEPA Rules

EU rules on the functioning of a Single European Payment Area (SEPA) Union-wide with free movement of cross-border services have an impact upon fair competition in the internal market for both consumers and smaller businesses. Under Article 102 (a) TFEU, the cost analysis of pricing must be supplemented by translating unfair trading terms and conditions from the field of legal analysis of contracts into that of economics. Terms and conditions which create a more onerous obligation form an integral part of an economic contract concluded by undertakings, irrespective of their market shares, based on a cogent interpretation of their significant negotiating power over EU consumers. Several practices misleading consumers clarify the above understanding using the tools of behavioural economics. The banking sector needs stronger competition intervention in the service market of general economic interest to consumers